Turkey, Ottoman Empire. An Order Of Medjidie (Mecidiye), Civil Division, Ii Class Star, C.1880

(Mecidiye Nişanı). Instituted in 1851. Multi-piece construction, center appliqué in Gold with red enamels, mounted to a silver seven-pointed star base, silver standard marked on the reverse the star and on the cartouche, measuring 75.5 mm (w) x 75.7 mm (h), intact enamels, vertical pinback flanked by dual stays, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Medjidie (Mecidiye) was instituted in 1851. It was issued in considerable numbers by Sultan Abdülmecid, as a reward for distinguished service to members of the British Army and the Royal Navy and the French Army who came to the aid of the Ottoman Empire during the Crimean War against Russia. In Britain, it was worn after any British gallantry and campaign medals awarded, but before the Turkish Crimean War medal. The Order was usually conferred on officers but a few enlisted soldiers also received it in a lower class. During the First World War, it was also awarded to a number of German, Austrian and Bulgarian officers. The Order was often conferred on non-Turkish nationals. It was awarded in five classes: First Class Order (Gold); Second Class Order (Gold); Third Class Order (Gold); Fourth Class Order (Gold); and Fifth Class Order.